Description
Oromia - Ethiopia: origin, history and character
In southern Ethiopia, within the state of Oromia, the Guji area has in recent decades developed a coffee identity of its own. Although for years grouped under the Sidamo umbrella, Guji has proven to have a unique sensory expression. This coffee comes from there, from a forested and volcanic environment where small producers work on family plots, with knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
At an altitude of 1,700 metres, the natural conditions are exceptional: nutrient-rich soils, stable microclimates and a biodiversity that favours the natural resistance of the plants. The cherries ripen slowly, are harvested by hand and processed in washing stations that prioritise the traceability and quality of the berries. In this case, it is a completely washed process, which clearly shows the profile of the area.
The result is an expressive coffee, with a floral enzymatic fragrance and notes of honey, apricot and lemon on a sweet base reminiscent of panela and butter. It has a bright but balanced acidity, silky body and a medium, clean, floral and fruity finish. A coffee that does not seek to impress by exuberance, but by precision and elegance.
Heirloom: a term that doesn't say everything, but says a lot
In Ethiopia, the term "Heirloom" is often mentioned as a generic label for cultivated varieties. In fact, most of these plants are endemic to each area, and have evolved naturally without genetic intervention. In Guji, this varietal richness is expressed in profiles with pronounced citrus acidity, complex floral notes and structured sweetness. This Oromia - Ethiopia is a clear example of this balance between origin and result.
Behind every grain: people who care for detail
The coffee is produced by small farmers and coordinated by the exporter led by Heleanna Georgalis since 2008. Her name is known in the world of speciality coffee for her rigorous work in Ethiopia, where she continues the family legacy with a clear vision: a commitment to quality, responsible experimentation and respect for native varieties.
Under his direction, the washing stations with which he collaborates maintain consistent and demanding practices: manual selection in cherries, controlled fermentation in tanks, meticulous washing and slow drying on African beds. All this process aims to preserve the cleanliness of the cup and to highlight the characteristics of the origin.
A café with its own voice
This lot was rated 88.5 points according to the SCA tasting protocol. Beyond the figure, what it offers is clarity, depth and structure. A cup that represents Guji well and fits naturally into an offer focused on honest, traceable coffees with identity. Oromia - Ethiopia needs no complex discourse: it is coffee that is well grown, well processed and well selected.
